How can Friedreich’s Ataxia be treated naturally?
Friedreich’s ataxia is a rare and genetic disorder that is progressive and neuro-degenerative in nature. The typical onset of this disorder is in the age group between 10–15 years.
There is an impaired muscle co-ordination (ataxia) that worsens over time. This condition is also known as Spinocerebellar condition. It causes damage to the parts of the brain, spinal cord and also affects the heart.
What are the Causes of Friedreich’s Ataxia?
The gene which is responsible for Friedreich’s ataxis is FXN. This gene codes for farataxin, a protein that is required for the proper functioning of mitochondria.
· Patients suffering from FRDA have copies of two abnormal FXN genes.
· They don’t produce adequate amounts of farataxin. As a result, the tissues that are dependent on cellular energy production start to degenerate.
· In friedreich’s ataxia, the FXN gene contains a very specific type of error called as an expanded GAA trinucleotide repeat.
What are the Symptoms and Signs of this disease?
· Inadequate muscle co-ordination that results in an unsteady gait.
· Poor control of the fine movements of the limbs.
· Slurred speech and impaired swallowing due to the involvement of the muscles of the mouth.
· Sideways curvature of the spine.
· Foot abnormalities may also develop.
· Cardiomyopathy (a form of heart disease) may also develop in over half of the people with FRDA.
What is the Ayurvedic Perspective of Friedreich’s ataxia?
According to Ayurveda, in FRDA, frataxin may be co-related with the functions of prana Vata, which controls the prayatna action (action potential). Due to decreased prayatna or action potential, there is less urja karma or ATP production leading to decreased bala (cellular metabolism) and there is a formation of ama at the cellular level. This ama leads to strotorodha (obstruction in the channels) and ama vitiates the tissue especially blood tissues, which then reacts with oxygen to produce ama visha (free radicals) and destroy the healthy cells. At the end, there is aggravation of Vata dosha and manifest the features of FRDA.
· On close observation, it is found that prana acts as avaraka (which obstructs) and udana and vyana as avarya (which is getting obstructed) participate in the pathogenesis.
· So it can be concluded that FRDA is a type of Vata vyadhi caused by Prana Avruta Vyana and Udana.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The main clinical features for diagnosis are:
Primary Criteria
· The symptoms appear before the age of 25 years.
· Absence of knee and ankle jerks.
· Progressive unremitting ataxia of limbs and gait.
Investigations for Diagnosis are
· Nerve conduction studies show motor velocity greater than 40 m/s in arms and absence of sensory action potentials.
· MRI of brain and spinal cord shows characteristic of atropic changes, particularly of the cervical spinal cord.
· Echocardiography may show ventricular hypertrophy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and septal hypertrophy.
What is the Treatment Protocol of Friedreich’s ataxia according to Ayurveda?
The cause should be treated first. Frataxin deficiency is caused due to a gene defect. So, Rasayana dravyas (rejuvenating drugs) should be prescribed. These drugs act on the genes and they are also immune-modulators.
How can Friedreich’s ataxia be treated naturally?
In classical Ayurvedic texts, there is no direct reference, so the treatment protocol can be planned by understanding the diagnosis and prognosis.
Planet Ayurveda offers various herbal remedies that are rejuvenating in nature and provide strength to the nervous system.
Herbal Remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda are:
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Shilajit Capsules
3. Medhya Churna
4. Brahmi Capsules
5. Gotukola Capsules
1. Ashwagandha Capsules
Ashwagandha Capsules prepared in Planet Ayurveda consist of standardized root extract of Withania somnifera herb. This herb is anti-oxidant, rejuvenating one, immunity boosting and Vata regulating in nature. It also builds muscle strength, improves body nourishment, useful in neuro-muscular disorders. Therefore, these capsules are very effective for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia.
Dosage : 1–2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
2. Shilajit Capsules
Planet Ayurveda’s Shilajit Capsules are prepared from the high quality extract of Shilajit resin. Shilajit is also known as asphaltum and fulvic acid. It is rich in anti-oxidants and useful in rejuvenating the brain cells and also useful in reducing weakness, tiredness, fatigue, stress and anxiety. Shilajit is also used as a supplement for maintaining proper blood glucose level in the body. Therefore, it is a suitable herbal treatment for Friedreich’s ataxia.
Dosage : 1–2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
3. Medhya Churna
Planet Ayurveda’s Medhya Churna is a powerful blend of dried extracts of various herbs that have anti-oxidant properties and can rejuvenate the system. All these herbs work on the brain and nervous system.
Dosage : 1 gram or a pinch of powder with plain water after taking meals.
4. Brahmi Capsules
The standardized extract of the herb Bacopa monnieri is used for the formulation of Planet Ayurveda’s Brahmi Capsules. Brahmi contains a phytochemical known as Bacosides that have therapeutic properties, which have influence on the degenerative cells of the brain, rejuvenates the nervous system, gives strength to the body, enhances the working capacity of the heart and helps to redirect the flow of Vata dosha. These capsules work effectively in the management of Friedreich’s ataxia.
Dosage : 1–2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
5. Gotukola Capsules
The standardized extract of Centella asiatica is used for the preparation of Planet Ayurveda’s Gotukola Capsules. This herb is extensively used as Rasayana in Ayurvedic practice. This herb also acts as a cardiac tonic. As per Charak Samhita (ancient Ayurvedic text), it is considered as an excellent Medhya Rasayana, which means it acts as an excellent brain tonic and rejuvenator. These capsules are really very effective for the treatment of Friedreich’s ataxia.
Dosage : 1–2 capsules twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

(Reference: Charak Samhita Chikitsa Sthan)
Meaning: According to this shloka, Mandukparni acts as anti-aging and rejuvenating product. It improves strength, skin quality, voice strength, digestive power, improves intelligence and acts as a strong Rasayana.
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